Global and Regional GIS Database Development in Support of CTBT Monitoring

Entry ID:
GEO_CORNELL_CTBT

Summary

Abstract:
It is essential for the CTBT monitoring efforts that multidisciplinary information on any given region be readily available and accessible in a digital, on-line format via electronic networks for use by concerned researchers and decision makers. We collected and organized available seismological, geophysical, and geological data sets for the Middle East and North ... Africa into a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS). In addition, we produced original results, such as crustal structure beneath available broadband seismic stations in the Middle East and North Africa region, and basement depth values in the northern Arabian plate. In addition to the GIS databases and tools, we developed a special World Wide Web (WWW) site to allow restricted access to our databases. All the data sets in our GIS system were documented with a standard metadata format in order to explain the source and nature of the data, their resolution, and their accuracy. The developed system and its efficiency in using and analyzing information will help CTBT researchers and decision makers to fuse and integrate the results of the four established monitoring technologies to reach a conclusion in a very short time. The system also significantly contributes to the better location and calibration of suspect events for any given region. This system will also help in On Site Inspection efforts.